Roofing/Expert Profile

Expertise

We are a "green" roofing company. We offer information and advice on metal and synthetic cedar, tile, and slate roofing products. We also address good, sound installation practices for lifetime and slate roof installations. Generally speaking, we are experienced with any materials that have 50 year or longer, expected lifespan, such as copper, terne coated steels, Kynar painted Steel, Aluminum, etc. We do extensive Infrared scans of homes with water leaks, moisture damage, air leakage, etc. So we have a good practical knowledge of what works and what does not work in the long term. We offer no advice on asphalt or fiberglass roofing products.

Experience in the area

Was a hobbyist/home remodeler for over 30 years. Restored over 30 homes. After retiring from engineering (27 years), I studied materials and installation practices of high-end roofing materials. This information was tempered by my engineering experience. We have developed and sell roofing "kits" to roofing contractors who do not have the time to research rarely used roofing products. We ensure that they have all the required materials, tools and information to offer their customers a solid 50 year installation.

Organizations

National Association of Home Builders Fox Valley Builders Assoc. Illinois Association of Home Builders Remodelers Council of NAHB Metal Roofing Alliance EnergyStar provider U.S. Green Builder Council Better Business Bureau

Publications

Our websites www.ecowiseinc.com and www.chicagometalroofing.com, Fox Tails, publication of the Fox Valley Builders Association

Education/Credentials

Tech certificate in Mechanical Drafting, 1978. Self-taught Engineer. Many certificates held. Have achieved NAHB "Certified Graduate Remodeler" designation. Graduate of Green Builder College. Licensed, insured & Bonded Roofer in Illinois.

Awards and Honors

Holder of many Patents, Member of Mensa

What do you like about this subject?

Being able to greatly improve the curb appeal of a home by properly installing the roof appropriate for the design of the home.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

Educate the public about the huge benefits of metal roofing, such as saving energy & no maintenance. You do not have to send huge dumpsters full of waste to a landfill every 15-20 years. A metal roof life is measured by decades & centuries. Some metal roofs "only" last 50+ years, some of the exotics last for centuries!

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Metal roofing has been used in this country for over 200 years! There are many examples of metal roofing still being servicable even after 100 to 200 years!

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Cedar roofs are not "green", not even close. The old growth trees are gone, all that is left is fast growing, low density cedar trees. They are commonly 1/3 or 1/4 the weight of the old growth shingles. The average lifespan of a cedar roof today in the Midwest is 12-18 years. Asphalt roofing warranties? We are often asked "why did my "40 year" asphalt roof only last 6 (or 7 or 8, etc) years?".